Beginning in 1947, The Golden Loop was a hub café where all the Escalante locals went to share a cup of coffee, a tasty meal, and the latest news. Now, it has been retrofitted into a new type of hub, one that is focused on physical health and community in a different way.
Yoga instructor Becka Winkleman moved to Escalante in 2018 with her contractor husband, Preston. Together, they have transformed the Loop, which had sat vacant for years. Their combined talents have made this possible through hard work and preparation.
Becka described herself as a ‘troubled teen’ at the age of 16. Her sister suggested she attend a yoga session as a healing intervention. At that session, Becka observed a beautiful white-haired couple who were strong and flexible. They made an indelible impression on her, and she left with a new aspiration: to become a yoga instructor.
She checked out VHS training tapes from her local library and practiced on her own in her backyard. Years later, she began working in a drug and rehab center for teenage girls, where yoga classes were taught. This renewed her interest, and she signed up for a 500-hour teacher training course.
That first training in 2010 led to others, currently totaling 1,500 hours. Twice, Becka took Ana Forrest’s advanced training, which consisted of 100 hours in 12 days.
Becka explains her personal philosophy: “We all go through life trying to live with ourselves, maintaining and regaining balance and harmony of our intellectual, mental, spiritual, and emotional selves. How we show up on the mat is how we show up off the mat, softening our face, letting go, and coming into agreement with the person we want to be. It continues to shift and change with each phase of life.”
Becka has been teaching yoga in Escalante for four years in various venues, which is evidence of her commitment to the practice and sharing its benefits with others.
Her brother Jacob, and husband Preston, told her they were buying the long-vacant Golden Loop to give her yoga practice a dedicated home and provide space for other small businesses. They purchased the worn-out building in February 2023, and after a year of late nights and long weekends, their dream has come true. Becka and their two young boys also helped with scraping the roof, painting, and cleaning up.
The building is divided into five business rooms. In addition to Monument Yoga, there are two hairstylists, a nail technician, and an aesthetician that have set up businesses in the salons, and two more spaces are available for rent.
Fitness dance classes are currently being offered. After The Loop’s grand opening on February 22, Becka plans to expand classes taught by other local and traveling yogis. In March, Becka will begin a 200-hour teacher certification course. Check out theescalanteloop.com for more information.
Preston’s skills are highlighted in the creative wall and lighting features, the spacious studio, and adjoining salons. Becka’s artwork adorns the walls. Together, they have given Main Street a transformed space where friends can gather and renew themselves.
– The Byway
Feature image caption: Becka Winkleman yoga posing in her new studio.